RTX's Camden, AR, facility is expected to begin producing missiles for the Marine Corps' Medium Range Intercept Capability within the next 12 months, according to Ground Based Air Defense Program Manager Col. Andrew Konicki.

RTX and Israeli company Rafael broke ground on the facility in 2024 to build Tamir interceptors for the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system and SkyHunter missiles for MRIC. The facility was previously expected to begin producing in late 2025 or early 2026.

“The Arkansas facility is well underway in terms of building out that facility,” Konicki told Inside Defense this week. “My last touchpoint with Raytheon on that piece was that they are expecting to hit [initial operational capability] this summer. So that's progressing very, very well. And then we're going to start producing MRIC missiles and launchers, ideally within the next 12 months.”

Speaking during the Modern Day Marine conference in Washington, Konicki said MRIC completed its rapid prototyping phase approximately six months ago. The service currently has one platoon fielded, he added.

The Marine Corps expects to fully equip three MRIC batteries within the next three years, according to its October 2025 force design update.

MRIC combines the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system, the Common Aviation Command and Control System and parts of the Israeli Iron Dome system to defend against airborne threats including cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft.

The MRIC SkyHunter missile shares 95-99% commonality with Iron Dome’s Tamir interceptor. The Marine Corps has worked with RTX to establish a domestic missile source.

In September, Raytheon Missiles and Defense received a $380 million contract modification for MRIC full-rate production. The modification followed an earlier $25 million award for 16 all-up-round magazines, consisting of 80 SkyHunter missiles along with launchers and other equipment.

The Marine Corps’ fiscal year 2027 budget request includes $233.6 million for MRIC, with $157.6 intended to procure 16 launchers and 410 missiles to support the rapid fielding of a single MRIC battery.

MRIC is part of the service’s GBAD portfolio, which could see a substantial funding boost in FY-27. The service has requested $1.27 billion for the full portfolio, a sum that would more than double the $620 million appropriated in FY-26 if it is approved by lawmakers.